Microplastics Analysis Using Micro-Furnace Pyrolyzer and F-Search MPs

There is a growing interest in performing microplastics analysis using a micro-furnace pyrolyzer. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) is a technique for obtaining qualitative and quantitative data on microplastic mixtures by selecting a set of characteristic pyrolyzates for each polymer. Recently, a new method for qualitatively analyzing twelve types of synthetic polymers has been developed, automated, and implemented in the search software (F-Search MPs) to propose a standardized procedure for data processing in Py-GC/MS analysis of plastics mixtures.

The method improves the current literature and is based on generating summated mass spectra (SMS) for each polymer, obtained by extracting specific m/z and retention index coordinates corresponding to characteristic pyrolyzates.

To perform microplastics analysis, the Frontier Lab’s Multi-Shot Pyrolyzer is interfaced directly to the GC inlet. The sample is placed in a small deactivated cup which is, in turn, positioned in the micro-furnace. The temperature of the sample is carefully controlled (±0.1ºC) to ensure that the sample-to-sample thermal profile is identical. Frontier’s well engineered technology ensures that the sample is maintained at ambient temperature, in an inert atmosphere, prior to pyrolysis; thus, eliminating evaporation, thermal degradation, and thermosetting before analysis.

The new eBook covers the topic of microplastics analysis using a micro-furnace pyrolyzer, including the following topics:

• Overview of the Pyrolysis-GC/MS technique
• Micro-furnace pyrolyzer system configuration
• Workflow for microplastic analysis with Py-GC/MS system
• Preparation and evaluation of calibration standards for MP analysis
• Application Notes – road microplastics, marine waste plastic debris, marine sediment